First Farmers & Merchants Bank on Tuesday said is taking another step north from its base in Maury County and plans to build a branch office in Green Hills.

Columbia-based First Farmers said it will locate its first office in Davidson County at 4013 Hillsboro Circle, across the street from Noshville and just southwest of the Hill Center anchored by Whole Foods. The office will be First Farmers' 19th in Middle Tennessee, two of which are in Franklin.

"First Farmers has a long history of growth in Middle Tennessee that has been strong and profitable," said Randy Stevens, chairman and CEO of First Farmers, which was founded in 1909 and now has assets of more than $1 billion. "We expect this expansion into Davidson County will continue that trend and look forward to bringing our style of personal banking and a full range of financial services to Green Hills residents."

First Farmers officials said their new outpost will market investment, trust and estate planning services in addition to core personal and business banking. They expect to break ground in the next few weeks and to complete construction before the end of the year.